Holy Grail War

──The Holy Grail War.

A battle between seven magicians known as Masters. It is a life-or-death game that doesn't end until all the other Masters are killed.

Each Master summons a familiar called a Servant. They command these Servants, who act as their proxies in battle, with the goal of defeating all the other Masters and being the last one standing to claim the prize known as the Holy Grail.

The Holy Grail is an object that grants the owner's wishes. It is an impossibly powerful and legendary treasure, said to be a universal wish-granting device.

In other words, the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki is nothing more than a battle royale over the Holy Grail.

─In summary, that was the explanation given by Tohsaka Rin.

"Wait a minute. What's with that? Why are you suddenly saying something like that, Tohsaka?"

I interrupted Tohsaka's explanation with a trembling voice.

Honestly, I couldn't believe it. Even though I'm still inexperienced, I'm a magus myself. I know at least that magic is about overturning common sense. But... this is just too absurd.

"I understand that it's hard to believe. But, Emiya-kun, you're already involved. Your Command Spells and the presence of the Servant there are proof enough."

Saying that, Tohsaka pointed to the young man called Archer.

Leaning against the wall in the living room, he was a golden man who had entered the room nonchalantly and had been silently looking at me with an expressionless face.

I averted my gaze from Archer's dazzling figure and tried to organize the information Tohsaka had mentioned.

I possess Command Spells and have been chosen as a Master.

Tohsaka, who also claims to be a Master.

The golden man and the petite girl who are said to be Servants.

If what Tohsaka says is true, then the explanation makes sense. But even if I'm presented with evidence, I can't easily accept it. First of all, I didn't even know about this Holy Grail War, let alone its ridiculous name.

When I mentioned that... Tohsaka sighed as if she couldn't believe it.

"─You're hopeless. Do you already forget that you were attacked by Lancer?"

I fell silent.

According to Tohsaka's story, it seems I have become one of those Masters.

If the Holy Grail War ritual is based on killing off the Masters... then as a Master, I am already a target of other magicians.

In other words... no matter how much I deny reality, they will come after me.

I recalled the encounter earlier.

The overwhelming power of Lancer who attacked me. There was no way I could resist someone like that.

All the training I had accumulated so far was meaningless in front of him. No matter how a mouse struggles, it is nothing more than a weakling to be killed by a cat.

"Well, I guess it can't be helped. After all, you're just an amateur who can't even repair glass... and it seems you're severely ignorant about the Holy Grail War."

Tohsaka looked down at me with a disbelieving gaze. I suppose it was only natural.

The glass I had shattered was repaired by Tohsaka's hand. I had no idea how advanced that was in terms of magic... It seems it was at the level of basic basics, rather, it's strange not to be able to do it.

The only magic I can do is just one. And even that reinforcement magic is considered "mediocre" by Tohsaka, earning me a lukewarm gaze that goes beyond pity.

"It wouldn't be fair for you to unilaterally do something against someone like that. Well, I'll give you a general explanation."

Tohsaka crossed her arms arrogantly.

...Well, how should I put it? The image I had imagined and Tohsaka's true nature seemed to be quite different.

If she were to consider only her own gain and loss, she could just defeat me, who is almost like an amateur. According to the explanation of the Holy Grail War's mechanism, if the Master is defeated, the Servant cannot exist. So if she were to kill me, she could also take Archer with her. Without much effort, Tohsaka would have defeated one of her enemies.

However... Tohsaka didn't do that. Without hurting me, she simply said it was unfair and explained the situation to me, someone who knew nothing.

Undoubtedly, she was the girl named Tohsaka Rin that I admired.

As I was thinking about such things, I unintentionally made eye contact with the girl standing next to Tohsaka. Her jewel-like eyes did not reflect the hostility I saw in Archer's eyes.

Tohsaka referred to that girl as a familiar Servant.

A Servant is a being that brings forth heroes who have surpassed humans and reached the level of spirits, through the power of the Holy Grail. If that story is true, then that girl called Saber must have been a human who was also a hero, right?

If the other Servant, Archer, who was leaning against the wall next to me, is also a hero, then I can somewhat understand. There's no way someone dressed in such armor would be an ordinary person in modern times, and their presence is on a completely different level.

But this girl... I can't help but feel uneasy about the metaphor Tohsaka used, saying that the heroes resemble monsters.

If the Holy Grail War is about killing each other... could this girl also be someone who harms or is harmed by others?

The power of the Servants is undoubtedly immense. I was almost killed twice by Lancer without even being able to put up a decent resistance.

Those individuals who possess such power... they are a threat on the same level as earthquakes and tsunamis. Ordinary humans cannot possibly contend against such beings.

Unreasonable and absurd violence.

Despite being a battle among magicians, this ritual is a "war." I have tasted the consequences of being unlucky enough to get involved.

In my mind, I envision people desperately trying to escape or confront the situation.

However, in the face of absolute violence, human efforts become meaningless. Human endeavors are easily trampled upon, violated, and destroyed.

Ah, that sight is exactly...

──The great fire ten years ago.

"...It doesn't sit right with me. Who on earth started such a ridiculous ritual?"

"That's not something I can answer. You should ask the person who oversees this Holy Grail War about that. What I can tell you is... you have no choice but to fight now. And since the Servants are your trump cards, you better use them wisely."

After saying that much, Tohsaka turned her face away from me. Her gaze was directed at the golden man leaning against the wall, proud and aloof.

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I could sense a faint tension in Tohsaka's expression. She moved her eyes as if hesitating about something, and then she quietly opened her mouth.

"Alright, let's stop the explanation for Emiya-kun here. Now, I have a question for you, Archer," Tohsaka said with a firm voice, different from when she was smoothly explaining.

Tohsaka showed clear tension, and the girl standing next to her reacted as well. Her emerald eyes watched Archer's movements vigilantly.

"What... who are you?" Tohsaka asked Archer with that question.

Earlier, I had asked Archer the same question, but the meaning behind the question was different for me and Tohsaka.

I had simply opened my mouth without knowing anything, just wanting to understand my own situation. But Tohsaka, with a clear purpose and resolute determination, was interrogating Archer.

"Oh?" Archer, the golden man who had been observing us with half-closed eyes, slightly distorted the corner of his mouth.

A smile appeared on his face, a smile that seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere. Archer, with his well-defined lips, spoke.

"Miss, didn't I just tell you to keep the Servant's name hidden from that young man?"

"That's not it. What I'm asking is not something so simple. Are you truly a Servant?" Tohsaka retorted.

Huh?

Strange. According to Tohsaka's explanation, Archer should be the Servant I summoned.

I have no recollection of summoning him, but the fact that he suddenly appeared in that storage shed and saved me from Lancer's Servant... And there's no doubt that he is clearly more than a mere human.

Yet, Tohsaka, with her strange question, made me feel like there was a significant meaning hidden behind it. Unconsciously, I felt a shiver down my spine.

"Tohsaka, what do you mean by that?"

"I mean it literally. Emiya-kun, didn't you hear the explanation about Servants?"

Ah, I nodded.

Servants are heroes summoned through the power of the Holy Grail, who have left behind information about their weaknesses and abilities in history. Therefore, the identity of the Servants must be kept confidential.

With those words, Tohsaka asked Archer about his true identity, who stood beside her. Who are you?

I had asked Archer the same question earlier, but my intention was solely to understand my own situation, without a clear purpose. However, Tohsaka was interrogating Archer with a specific objective and resolute will.

"Oh?"

The golden man who had been observing us with half-closed eyes, Archer, slightly distorted the corner of his mouth.

A smile appeared on his face, a smile that seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere, and Archer opened his well-defined lips.

"Young lady, didn't you tell that young boy to keep the Servant's name hidden?"

"No, that's not it. What I'm asking is not something so simple. Are you truly a Servant?" Tohsaka clarified.

Uh?

Strange. According to Tohsaka's explanation, Archer should be the Servant I summoned.

I have no recollection of summoning him, but the fact that he suddenly appeared in that storage shed and saved me from Lancer's Servant... And there's no doubt that he is clearly more than a mere human.

Yet, Tohsaka, with her strange question, made me feel like there was a significant meaning hidden behind it. Unconsciously, I felt a shiver down my spine.

"Tohsaka, what do you mean by that?"

"I mean it literally. Emiya-kun, didn't you hear the explanation about Servants?"

Ah, I nodded.

Servants are heroes summoned through the power of the Holy Grail, who have left behind information about their weaknesses and abilities in history. So, according to Tohsaka's explanation, Archer should be a Servant summoned by me, right?

I don't remember summoning him, but his sudden appearance in that storage shed and his act of saving me from Lancer's Servant... And there's no doubt that he is clearly more than a mere human.

Despite all that, Tohsaka's strange question made me feel uneasy. It seemed like there was a significant meaning hidden behind it... and before I knew it, I was getting goosebumps.

"Tohsaka, what does that mean?"

"It means exactly what it says. Emiya-kun, did you hear the explanation about Servants?"

Ah, I nodded.

Servants are essentially spiritual beings. Although they can materialize, their nature remains the same.

However... Archer there is not a spiritual being. He possesses a solid physical body."

"...Huh?"

I unintentionally gave a dumbfounded response to Tohsaka's assertive statement.

I can't understand it. I don't see any difference between Saber standing next to Tohsaka and Archer leaning against the wall in terms of being a spiritual or physical entity.

But Tohsaka doesn't seem to be lying. Her face is tense and rigid, and Saber, who stands beside her, gazes sternly, affirming the truth of Tohsaka's words.

...My head is starting to get tangled up. Let's calm down and organize the information.

If Servants are supposed to be spiritual beings, it would be strange for them to have physical bodies. Even if they can materialize through the power of the Holy Grail, it should be nothing more than a temporary existence.

So, what does it mean to have a solid physical body? If that's the case, then Archer is not a Servant but something completely different.

But that's a strange story in itself.

Only Servants, who are heroes surpassing humans, can fight against other Servants. If that logic holds, then Archer, who was just fighting with Lancer, is undoubtedly a Servant.

And above all... although it's faint and fragile, I feel some sort of connection between Archer and me. The shimmer of the Command Seal on my left hand is the most significant proof of that.

After organizing the information to this point... I finally understand why Tohsaka is so wary.

An existence that is a Servant yet not like a Servant. The fact that such a person exists itself is strange.

While I'm finally convinced, Tohsaka continues to stare at Archer. Saber, standing beside her, exposes her clear wariness and hostility, standing before Archer protectively.

They are in such close proximity that if Saber were to attack Archer, he would be defeated without even being able to react.

Despite such a situation... Archer remains motionless, leaning against the wall. What's wrong with him? The smile on the corner of his mouth deepens even more.

Tohsaka, with an evident displeased expression, confronts him. "Answer me now since it seems pointless to ask Emiya-kun. Who are you? If necessary..."

"...I see," Archer interjects. "You intend to have Saber attack me, don't you? Well... it's impolite, but that's how power is used. I thought you were some kind of jester, but you're quite clever."

Tohsaka's expression turns stern. "No, that's not it. What I'm asking is not something so simple. Are you truly a Servant?"

"Hmm?"

Archer, observing us with half-closed eyes, nodded nonchalantly.

With a cold gaze, he observed Tohsaka as if appraising her... Then, Archer uncrossed his arms and stepped away from the wall.

Saber blocked his path as if anticipating an attack. Holding a transparent sword in her hand, which she had somehow taken out, she aimed it at Archer's throat.

The distance between Saber and Archer is only a few steps. If Saber were to attack Archer, he would be easily defeated without even being able to react.

Despite the imminent threat... the golden archer stands there leisurely.

"Draw your sword, Saber. Considering the impertinence of this mongrel, I shall answer the question now," Archer says.

In such a precarious situation, Archer, who took a carefree posture, overlooks Saber. His serene composure makes it seem as if he doesn't care about the enemy in front of him.

"Who am I? What is my true identity?"

Curiously, the golden Hero cocks his head.

Though his words are strange, his expression is serious. Archer, who had been looking down on everyone with arrogance until now... becomes perplexed and his face clouds over.

Seemingly puzzled, Archer's attitude shows none of the confidence he displayed before.

"Fool, do I look like I'm joking, Saber?... Well then, who am I?"

Archer raises his right hand nonchalantly.

Everyone's attention focuses on his inexplicable action. It appears to be a meaningless gesture, like that of a conductor... and yet, in this situation, it feels eerie.

With three pairs of eyes fixed on him, Archer, with a proud posture, looks down at us.

"Hmm, indeed. I understand universal knowledge, the common sense of this era, and even the game called the Holy Grail War.

However... what is missing is essential. I don't remember my own identity. Not just my origin, I can't even recall my name. Well, it's not much of a problem."

Archer nods and mutters to himself.

Hmm, yes, hmm, it seems like he's agreeing with something internally.

...Wait, hold on a moment.

Didn't he just say something absolutely impossible after being so confident?

Gazing at me with a stern expression.

Hmm... Indeed, what Archer said might be true. I didn't know anything about the Holy Grail War to begin with, and I had no intention of summoning a Servant.

Come to think of it, the Holy Grail War is about summoning extraordinary souls called Heroic Spirits. Such a grand ritual would require appropriate preparations.

And yet, by some coincidence, I, who am neither a proper Master nor even a competent mage, managed to summon a Servant. It's unreasonable to think that there would be no issues with the summoned Heroic Spirit due to an unprepared, almost accidental summoning.

In other words... could Archer's amnesia be my fault?

"...Sigh. If you're the Master, then the Servant should be a Servant as well. Well, let's not question the true identity of that Servant over there. It's pointless to ask someone without any memories."

With a half-lidded gaze, Tohsaka opens her mouth in exasperation. Her stare seems to say, "You're hopeless," and I inadvertently feel pressured.

Despite the cold gaze she directs at me, Tohsaka is looking at me intently.

"You two, how do you plan to continue fighting from here?"

Tohsaka's question hits us like a finishing blow, presenting us with the harsh reality.

As someone chosen as a Master, I have no knowledge of the Holy Grail War, let alone any significant magical abilities.

Archer, who was summoned as a Servant, lacks his own memories. Not only that, he possesses a physical body, which is beyond the norm.

Even if I look at it modestly, this combination is abnormal. That's why... I can't give a clear answer to that question.

In the first place, I was merely caught up in this foolish ritual called the Holy Grail War. I wasn't chosen as a Master willingly. It's not like I can just say, "Sure, I'll fight because I'll be killed if I don't." Only those who want to engage in this ridiculous battle should do so.

However... the fact remains that I have summoned a Servant. According to Tohsaka's explanation, Heroic Spirits are summoned as Servants to entrust their wishes to the Holy Grail. If that's the case, this golden young man must also have an important wish.

It's easy for me to say, "I won't fight." But as a Master, partnered with a Servant, for me to abandon the battle would be the same as trampling upon Archer's heart. Sacrificing the wish of Archer, who fought against Lancer and saved me, for my selfish ego... I cannot make such a decision.

Instead of me, who remains silent, it is the self-important golden Hero who speaks up.

"Before that, let me say one thing, mongrels. This is not my fight. I am merely here to enjoy the antics of that boy."

With those words, the atmosphere freezes once again.

Unable to comprehend, Saber and Tohsaka stand there dumbfounded, and Archer glances at them with an expression of boredom... then he turns to face me.

"You there, mongrel... Emiya Shirou, was it? To you, I am nothing more than someone you rely on. Nothing else. Don't ever think of me as your ally."

"Hmph, well, you can rest assured. For now, your situation is quite interesting. Although I have no interest in the Holy Grail or anything of that sort, I shall wield my power as your Servant, at least for the time being."

Archer mutters with sarcasm and adds a few words, as if it's meant to be a consolation.

I am struck dumb by his words laced with mockery.

Surprisingly, this guy just stated that he has no interest in the Holy Grail. And since he insists that he has no memories... I don't even know why this guy, who seems to have no interest in anything, was summoned.

Archer's interest is solely focused on his own pleasure.

I am tempted to terminate the contract right away... But if I judge that I have become unnecessary, this man will undoubtedly kill me without hesitation.

It's terrifying.

A cold sweat runs down my spine due to the fear of the unknown.

Weren't the summoned Heroic Spirits supposed to have some kind of wish? Even if they have lost their memories, wasn't this man also summoned because he had a wish to entrust to the Holy Grail?

And yet... this man doesn't show even the slightest interest in such matters. He simply dismissed the Holy Grail War, a grand ritual, as a pastime.

This Servant is an extraordinary existence. His thoughts and values are beyond my comprehension.

"Archer. That boy is supposed to be your Master, right? If you say he's not your ally... then why did you respond to the summoning?"

Seizing upon Archer's abnormality, Saber confronts him with visible anger. She conveys through her intense gaze that she will cut him down if his response doesn't satisfy her, rather than using words.

In the face of this scene, Archer smiles. It's not a sneer or a cold smile, but a smile that can even be described as gentle, disproportionate for a man like him.

That's why it feels eerie. I have no idea what this man is thinking.

Unfazed by the atmosphere created by the man's demeanor, Saber thrusts her invisible sword at him... and Archer, looking down at her, emits a joyful chuckle.

"I don't know. In the first place, I have no interest in things like the Holy Grail. I may not have any memories, but I can assert that much."

But... as he says that, Archer's eyes take on a meaningful glint.

A viscous, almost repulsive gaze that seems to entwine. The golden young man, with a smile distorted in delight, is licking his lips, as if savoring Saber's form.

The moment his wicked gaze is directed at her, Saber moves like a bolt of lightning.

As if unable to bear any more insults, she thrusts her sword against Archer's neck. Its tip pierces through the skin, drawing a small amount of blood.

However... despite being on the verge of having his throat pierced, Archer doesn't even change his expression. Even in this situation, he maintains an air of composure.

Saber grinds her teeth in frustration at his arrogant and disdainful attitude. Although she understands that it's best to stop, she can't bring herself to do so. Right now, Saber is so enraged that she is completely serious.

"Archer, you... You again!"

"Alright, calm down, both of you. Let's stop fighting and get going."

With an attempt to mediate the tense situation, Tohsaka suddenly interjects, saying something incomprehensible.

Whether they regained their senses or not, Saber reluctantly sheathes her sword, and Archer, too, shrugs his shoulders and falls silent. Both of them seem to have realized that further arguments would be fruitless.

I have something to say to Archer, but... it wouldn't be appropriate to continue that conversation right now. I put on a facade as if nothing happened and turn towards Tohsaka.

"...Huh? Where are we going?"

"To the person who knows a lot about the Holy Grail War you got involved in. Emiya-kun, you want to know the reason behind the Holy Grail War, right?"

Of course, I nod.

It's not just about the reason for the Holy Grail War. There are many other things I want to ask. Above all... that Servant, who surpasses my understanding. If he is knowledgeable about the Holy Grail War, he must also have knowledge about Servants.

With only Tohsaka's explanation so far... honestly, I don't have a clear understanding of the Holy Grail War. I understand that I got involved in it, but... what should I do from now on? How should I interact with this man named Archer? I don't even know that.

To make a judgment about the situation, I need accurate knowledge and information. It's already past midnight, but it wouldn't be wrong to visit someone knowledgeable about the Holy Grail War right away.

I'm worried that it will be late when I return, but fortunately, tomorrow is Sunday. Staying up all night won't be a big problem.

Looking at me determined, Tohsaka smiles satisfactorily.

"Well then, let's go. Our destination is the neighboring town's Fuyuki Church. That's where the pseudo-priest overseeing this battle is."

＊＊＊

Walking through the late-night city.

The date has already changed, and it's one o'clock in the morning.

A deserted night street where not a single person, bird, or dog can be seen. I feel somewhat eerie, so I turn to the person walking beside me.

"────"

Walking right next to me is the golden archer.

However, he is not wearing that armor. That armor stands out and the sound of metal is too noisy.

When I rummaged through my father's old closet, I found a leather suit that looked like the kind of clothes people wear when riding motorcycles—a motorcycle suit, I believe—and decided to let Archer wear it.

According to him, the armor was woven by Archer's own magical power, and he can put it on and take it off at will. If necessary, he can even wear the armor over his clothes, which is quite convenient.

"......"

On the other hand... the one wearing a strange outfit is Saber, who follows right behind me.

Since she insisted on not taking off the armor, I reluctantly had her wear a raincoat over the armor... but somehow, she ended up looking suspicious.

But... despite her strange appearance, her tension is genuine and unyielding.

Saber, still in armor, walks the night road as if protecting the nearby Tohsaka. Her tension and vigilance pierce through Archer like a hostile gaze.

Given the exchange we just had, it's a reasonable reaction... but from my perspective, walking next to Archer, it feels uncomfortable.

If it were the three of us—me, Tohsaka, and Saber—we might have had more lively conversations... but due to the influence of this Servant, there is a subtle distance between us and Tohsaka's group. Because of that, we continue to walk in silence.

Even though it's midnight, I know this area's roads like the back of my hand. I don't have a problem with walking, but the tension of not speaking to each other is not good for my mental state.

With determination, I try to strike up a conversation with Archer, who walks beside me.

"Hey, Archer. Are you... acquainted with that Saber?"

"I don't know."

Without even looking at me, Archer coldly dismisses the question.

Is it even possible to have a decent conversation with this guy...? I feel a sense of resignation, but unexpectedly, Archer's lips curl into a smile.

"Oh? Surprisingly sharp, aren't you, kid? But you seem to have overlooked something."

...Huh?

I thought I hit the mark there... Did I say something strange?

Puzzled, I tilt my head, and Archer smiles brightly.

"You don't understand, do you? Then let me give you a clue... Boy, what kind of game are you involved in right now?"

"...The Holy Grail War, isn't it?"

"Exactly. Now, let me ask you this... How many times do you think this Holy Grail War has occurred?"

"...What?"

Archer's question. Understanding its meaning... I stumble and nearly trip on the spot due to the shock.

The Holy Grail War is a ritual that summons Heroic Spirits, extraordinary beings. If it has been conducted in the past... there is indeed a possibility that Saber and Archer have fought in previous Holy Grail Wars. If that assumption is correct, it would make sense for Saber to know Archer.

I've seen Lancer's spear. I've seen Archer's twin swords. I've seen Saber's sword.

I have witnessed the weapons of these three Servants with my own eyes. Therefore, I can assert that those are not simply weapons... they are extraordinary "weapons."

Just by swinging them, they create fissures in the earth and generate shockwaves. Even if you didn't intend to involve others, those weapons can even cut through mere shockwaves and slash people.

In fact, just by witnessing the battle between Lancer and Saber, I was almost killed. If someone who witnessed the battle between Servants in the past were being silenced... it would also explain why such a large-scale battle has never been mentioned before.

Now that I think back, there have been many cases of missing persons and unexplained incidents in Fuyuki City... things that seemed like nothing more than gossip or occult news. Maybe... they are somehow related to the Holy Grail War.

Shivers run down my spine.

How many people have been killed in the pursuit of the Holy Grail? It's absurd. This whole thing is absurd. Who on earth is doing this, and for what purpose?"

"Huh? Emiya-kun, aren't you going the wrong way?"

Tohsaka's voice brings me back to reality.

When I turn around, I see Tohsaka and Saber looking at me with a puzzled expression as I veer onto a different path.

Ah, right. I unconsciously took this route, but many people aren't familiar with it.

"You should just go to the bridge, right? This way is actually a shortcut."

Intimidated by Saber's glare towards Archer, I become a bit brusque in my tone. Though it's not directed at me, it's not good for the heart when it comes from someone nearby.

I turn on my heel and continue down the path, and the two of them obediently follow. Archer, who is the target of Saber's wariness, seems unfazed as he looks around at the surrounding houses.

...Really. I wish I had some of that audacity.

Even when I fought Lancer or when Saber pointed her sword at him, Archer didn't bat an eye. Rather than calm, his bravery is simply on another level.

He might even be bolder than those slimy politicians you see on TV. In fact, I've never seen anyone with as much confidence and composure as Archer.

Somehow, he seems important, like he could be a king or a commander of some sort.

...Lost in such thoughts, we continue for a while and arrive at the riverside park.

This park is quite spacious and bustling with energetic elementary school kids during the day. We need to cross the large bridge visible from here and head to the neighboring town of Shinto...

"Oh, I didn't know there was a road like this. It's an unexpected discovery."

Surprised, Tohsaka looks up at the bridge. Seeing her profile, which appears even more beautiful in this nighttime setting, I can't help but be captivated.

"Let's keep going, Tohsaka. If you're curious, you can come back another time."

I call out to Tohsaka, and we resume walking towards the bridge. Climbing the familiar stairs and stepping onto the long pedestrian bridge that stretches straight ahead.

As I anticipated, there are still few people around here.

That's because hardly anyone chooses to walk through here. The distance to Shinto is too far, so most people use the train or bus to get there.

...But come to think of it, I've heard rumors before about the track and field club from my school training on this bridge. I find it hard to believe that there are people who willingly come to this old bridge, but it is exceptionally long. Perhaps there are some dedicated athletes who use it for long-distance running training. It seems like a more likely possibility than passing through here on a date.

"......"

With the word "date" in mind, I suddenly turn around and glance back at the two behind me.

Tohsaka, walking on the bridge in high spirits, looks even more radiant in this nighttime setting than usual. I always thought she was beautiful, but seeing her like this, she appears cuter than when I saw her at school. It's quite something.

Walking beside her, Saber, still enveloped in tension... perhaps due to the view of the night scenery from the bridge, seems slightly more relaxed than before. The dignified aura suits her well, and her quietly observing profile is undeniably adorable.

...This is stupid. What am I thinking?

I quicken my pace, trying not to be conscious of the two following behind me. It's just my imagination, but it annoys me a little when I feel like Archer behind me is grinning.

＊＊＊

After crossing the bridge, we arrive in Shinto.

I thought we would head to the office district near the station, but seeing Tohsaka leading us in the direction of the outskirts, I remember the location of our destination.

...The Kotomine Church.

I'm somewhat familiar with that place. Well, only to the extent of knowing that it used to be an orphanage.

As we climb the gently sloping hill, the number of buildings gradually decreases. In their place, numerous tombstones come into view.

...Right. This slope is the foreigner's graveyard.

"That's the church up ahead. Oh, and be prepared, Emiya-kun. The priest there is not someone you can handle easily."

With that brief remark, Tohsaka continues ahead, leading Saber along.

Following their direction, I vaguely see the silhouette of a building. That's probably the church we're heading to.

However, hearing Tohsaka describe the priest as a "pseudo-priest" and "not someone you can handle easily," I can't help but be curious about what kind of person he is.

The profession of a priest is usually associated with devout individuals of strong faith... but if Tohsaka says that, then the image I have of the person might be different.

I suddenly recall a topic of conversation in the shopping district before, where people were talking about a "priest riding an amazing motorcycle." I find it hard to believe, but was that actually true?

"...Hmm. Look, mongrel."

Prompted by Archer, I raise my head from my contemplation. And there...

"Wow... this is incredible."

An incredibly extravagant church looms before us, standing out against the darkness of the night.

Most of this elevated area seems to belong to the church, as the hilltop has been leveled out as far as the eye can see.

The church built in the back exudes a solemn atmosphere, even in the night... it's not just grand, but it also gives off an imposing presence.

As someone with little religious faith, this has been a building I've had no connection with before... but in the face of such solemnity, it's strange how one can't help but feel as if there truly is a god.

We're about to enter inside, and it seems to require a bit of courage. I instinctively glance back at Archer beside me.

"Archer, it seems like you don't get along with Saber... but I have no intention of picking a fight with Tohsaka and the others. So, can you please refrain from interfering?"

"Hmm."

Archer turned his interesting gaze towards me at my request.

...I did make a concession.

I'm asking a Servant who should be killing each other to "not fight." We're not currently engaged in battle, but since I haven't explicitly stated that we won't fight openly, I don't know how things will unfold.

That's why I can't say "absolutely don't fight." I don't think this Heroic Spirit will obediently listen to my request, but I still want to maintain some integrity.

Seemingly understanding my inner conflict... Archer gives me a brief glance and nods nonchalantly.

"Very well. I won't draw my sword against Saber."

"...Huh?"

Unexpected words cause my eyes to widen.

Considering this arrogant man, I thought he would either ignore or dismiss my request...

"What? Do you intend not to fight those women? If it were my battle, I would annihilate them mercilessly, but in the end, it's just a pastime. I'll follow the Master's intentions to some extent."

He uttered those words arrogantly, not a trace of actually intending to follow them.

...I don't fully understand, but it seems like he has accepted my request for now. I let out a sigh of relief, barely releasing the breath I was holding.

If my plea had been ignored, honestly, I wouldn't know what to do. He possesses power beyond my reach, and I honestly don't know if I can even use the Command Seal shining on my left hand.

I still haven't fully grasped this man. However... for some reason, I have a strange conviction that he is someone who will uphold the words he speaks. I don't know why, but I have that feeling.

"Besides, this place... No, I won't say it. It's not necessary to grant every whim to a mongrel like you."

The golden Servant continues to behave arrogantly.

But... maybe it's just my imagination, but for a brief moment. In that moment when he uttered those mysterious words, the arrogant aura seemed to soften.

Blinking my eyes, Archer is once again expressionless, crossing his arms. The overwhelming presence he exudes reaffirms that this youth is truly a Heroic Spirit surpassing humans.

It must be my imagination. There's no way this man... would show an unprotected expression as if he had encountered something nostalgic.

"Now then. It seems things are settled over there. Shall we go, Emiya-kun?"

Tohsaka, who had been talking with Saber, calls out to us at just the right timing.

"Yeah," I respond, and I don't forget to say a word to Archer.

"Alright, I'm going. Wait here for me, Archer."

Archer doesn't respond to my words. Taking his silence as affirmation, I turn my back to the motionless youth and start walking towards the church.

Following Tohsaka, who has been waiting for me, we head towards the church. Just before entering, I become curious about Saber, who is standing a little away, quietly in her yellow raincoat.

The strange outfit and her blade-like wariness don't quite match, but Saber doesn't seem to mind such trivial matters. What she's concerned about... is only the golden Servant standing there with his arms crossed.

It's only natural for Servants who should be fighting each other to be wary of one another. However, even considering that, Saber's animosity seems excessive.

From what I've overheard from the conversation between Saber and Archer, it seems that those two don't get along well... but Saber's hostility is probably not solely due to that.

Indeed, Archer doesn't seem to be bothered by Saber's hostility at all. On the contrary, he even directs an amused gaze towards the young girl.

I can't imagine that Archer is at fault to the extent of receiving animosity close to murderous intent, considering that they are both Servants... What could have happened between those two?

Feeling a slight unease, I follow Tohsaka and enter the church, leaving behind Saber, who stands quietly in her conspicuous yellow raincoat.